UMVA has learned that a tragic incident has occurred in South Africa's renowned Kruger National Park, where a 69-year-old Canadian tourist lost his life in an accidental shooting on Wednesday.
The incident took place during a barbecue picnic near Phabeni Gate, which is located east of Pretoria and close to the country's borders with Eswatini and Mozambique. According to information obtained by UMVA, the victim had approached a tour operator who was holding a rifle and asked if it was a real firearm.
In a shocking turn of events, the firearm reportedly discharged while the operator was demonstrating it, and the bullet struck the tourist in the upper body. Despite efforts to save him, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The South African Police Service has opened a case of culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm, and a 36-year-old private tour guide has been arrested in connection with the incident. The tour guide is currently in custody, and authorities are investigating further.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the victim's identity has not been released, and authorities are still trying to contact his next of kin. The incident has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry, and officials have extended their condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
This tragic incident comes on the heels of another shocking crime in the park, where two South African tourists in their 70s were murdered last month. Their bodies were found in a remote area with multiple stab wounds, and three people have since been arrested in Mozambique and Zimbabwe in connection with the crime.
